Remote control system



Novo 22, 1932. H. E. HERSHEY 1,833,267

REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM Filed May 4, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 .315 P14 TCHERS STATION InTrF:TZE Harry E.HEI"SZ'LEH Nov 22, 1932. H. E. HERSHEY REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM Filed May 4, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lukovc QM &

- Hiram-25F- Patented Nov. 22, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE T HARRY E. HERSHEY, 01' OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNKENTS, T0 ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC LABORATORIES, INC., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A COBPOBATIOK OI DELAWARE REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM Application filed May 4, 1928. Serial No. 275,027.

This invention relates in general to remote control systems, more particularly to such systems in which a plurality of substations are controlled in tandem over a trunk line, and the principal object of the invention, briefly stated, is the production of a new and improved system of this type, the improvements tending to make the system more reliable in its operation without increasing its complexity and cost.

Tandem remote control systems have been devised heretofore, these systems employing a parallel. principle of operation, that is, the sending switch and a selecting switch at each of the substations on the trunk, are stepped in synchronism by means of a parallel circuit, and various devices have been employed to keep the selecting switches in synchronism. As a further object of my invention, I have provided a new and improved stepping circuit for a tandem remote control system, which circuit operates on a series stepping principle rather than a parallel, with a re sultant more positive operation of the selecting switches.

In the tandem systems devised heretofore,

I in which it was desired to both control and supervise devices at the substation, separate control and supervisory conductors were necessary in the trunk line, or if-the same conductor served as a control and supervisory conductor, more than one contact in the banks of the selecting switches was required for each of the switching devices. This latter arrangement greatly reduced the total capacity, that is the total number of switching devices, for which the system could be utilized, because of the limited number of contacts which can be placed in a selector switch bank.

Accordingly, I am claiming in a divisional application, Serial Number 418,744, filed J anuary 6, 1930,21 new and improved control and supervisory circuit, which operates over one conductor in the trunk line, through one contact in the selector switch bank to both control and supervise the switching devices in the substation.

Further objects of my invention, not specifically mentioned here, will be obtained from a reading of the detailed description and claims which follow.

The drawings comprising Figs. 1 and 2, when arranged with Fig. 1 to the left of Fig. 2, wIth correspondingly numbered lines in alignment, show by the usual circuit symbols, suiiicient apparatus to enable a clear understanding of my invention.

Fig. 1 shows the equipment located at the despatchers station, which equipment comprises a despatchers key shelf including keys K, K1 to K24, and C1 to C24, inclusive. The sender switch S, is controlled from the key shelf to transmit over the trunk line a selecting signal, which operates the selecting switches in the substation to position one of them upon an operative contact through which a device in that substation is controlled and supervised. The sender switch S, and the selecting switches in the substations are of the type of the well known rotary line switch,

whose banks have a capacity of 25 or 50 con tacts, and whose wipers are moved when the magnet deenergizes, rather than when it energizes.

Fig. 2 shows the equipment located in two of the substations on the trunk, an intermediate substation and the last substation on the trunk. The device 111, which is assumed to be one of the switching devices that it is desired to control and supervise over this sys tem, is selected through the banks of the selector switch S1, which mechanically is like th sender, and which is stepped by impulses send out from the sender. The device 111, which may be a circuit breaker, railway switch,

semaphore, or any other electro-magnetic device having two or more positions, is shown as a pair of relays, this showin being made by means of an example only,'i lustrates the principles of operation without undue complication of the drawings by including a group of equipment with which this invention is not particularly concerned.

The device to be operated, has two electromagnets 105 and 106, one moving it to its operated position when energized, the other moving it to its normal position when energized. Thedeviceis also equipped with the spring contacts or toggle switch 135 to 138,

inclusive, which springs rest against the up permost contacts when the device'is in its operated position, and against their lowermost contacts when the device is in its normal position.

Associated with the device to be operated, are the control relays 107 and 108, which are operated to move the device to its normal position, and control relays 109 to 110 which are operated to move the device to its operated position. The selecting relay 104, is energized from a contact in the bank of the selecting switch S1, to select the particular device 111. Relays 101 to 103, inclusive, are supervisory relays,through the operation of which the selecting switches are stepped over their banks responsive to an automatic operationof the device 111.

The equipment in the last station on the trunk line comprises a selecting switch S2, relays 101 to 110, inclusive, through the operation of which the device 111' is selected and operated. This equipment is duplicate of that shown in the intermediate station, and is, therefore, not shown in detail in the drawings. The vdevice 111 shows diagrammatically the actual construction of the devices to be operated.

The despatchers station is'connected to the substations by means of a four conductor trunk, comprlsing the control and supervisory conductor 60, impulsing conductor 61 and 161, impulsing conductor 62, and the battery common conductor 63. In some installations, it may be possible to replace this latter conductor 63 by a ground connection, if bothersome ground potentials are not encountered. The number of conductors remains the same regardless of the number of substations on the trunk line.

For the sake of illustration, the device 111 is'assumed to be reached through the first bank contact of theselecting switches, and the device 111' in the last substation on the trunk is selectable through the 24th bank c0ntact. If a 50 point switch is used, in all probability the devices in the last substation of a trunk would be reached through the last few contacts, that is some place between the 45th and the 50th contacts in the bank, but since .the 50 point switch is mechanically the same as the 25, the 25 point switch is shown as it greatly simplifies-the drawings.

In order to illustrate the operation of the system, assume that the despatcher desires to select device 111. He 0 erates the key K1, which starts the sender stepping the selector switches S1, S2, etc. Responsive to the operation of key K1, the line relay associated with the selector switch S1 is energized, energizes the motor magnet of the switch S1. When the motor magnet is in its energizedposition it closes a circuit to the line relay ofthe second selector on the trunk line, not shown, which line relay energizes its respective motor magnet. That motor magnet energizes the line relay of the next selector on the trunk line, this process continuing until the lastselector on the trunk line is energized. The energization of this selector, closes a circuit for the line relay of the sender S at the despatchers station, which line relay energizes to close the circuit of the motor magnet of S. The energization of motor magnet of S, opens the circuit of the line relay in the first substation, permitting that line relay to fall back and open the circuit of the motor magnet. The motor magnet advances the wipers of the selecting switch, and opens the line relay of the next substation on the trunk, which line relay falls back and opens the circuit of its respective motor ma net. When the motor magnet in the last substation on the trunk is deenergized, the circuit of the line relay of the sender selector is opened and that relay falls back to permit the motor magnet of that switch to fall back. The restoration of the motor magnet of the sender, again closes the circuit of the line relay of the first switch,

and the cycle of operation is repeated. It

will be seen that by this impulsing arrangement, the energization of the motor magnet in a substation is dependent upon the energization of the motor magnet in the preceding substation, and that the motor magnet of the sender switch is not energized until the motor magnets of all of the substations on the trunk line have been ener zed. The deenergization of each motor magnet de ends upon the deenergization of the prece ing motor magnet, and the deenergization of the motor magnet of the sender switch is not eflected until the last switch on the trunk is deenergized. It will be noted that the relay 122 associated with the sender switch S1 is connected to the odd numbered bank contacts of the switch over which the wiper 121 rotates. It will also be noted that the relay127 is similarly connected to the odd contacts in the bank of the switch S2 over which the wiper 129 rotates. \Vith both of these relays in their normal positions, as they would be when the wipers are in their normal or even numbered positions the circuit of the line relay 125 of the switch S2 includes positive battery through resistance 14.4: and the spring 152 of the switch S1, conductor 161, to negative battery through springs 155 and the resistance 146 of the switch S2. The relay will energize in this circuit. If, because of mechanical fault, wiper 129 is not advanced when the magnet 126 deenergizes, relay 127 will remain in its deenergized position, and if switch S1 operates-properly, relay 122 will be energized. The circuit of line relay 125 will then run from negative battery through resistance 143 of the spring 152 to negative battery through spring 155 and resistance 146; Obviously the line relay 125 will not tor magnet, and moreover if the switches fail to properly step responsive to the deenergization of the motor magnet, the line relays of the switch succeeding is connected through a circuit which terminates at the same p0- larity of battery, and the'relay does not energize.

During the interval that the selecting switches are stepping over the bank contacts, the selecting relays 104, 104, etc., are energized in turn. Responsive to the energization of the relay 104, a circuit is extended from the control relay of the device 111 to the control and supervisory conductor. If

this device is in one position, this circuit will be energized by one polarity of battery, and if the device is in the opposite position, it will be energized by the opposite polarity of battery. At the despatchers station, the sender switch stepping in synchronism selectsthe polarized supervisory relays associated with the various devices at the sub station, these relays being operated over this circuit in a direction depending upon the polarity of battery connected to the circuit. When a selected device is reached, it is first supervised by the application of the battery from the control relays, and then when the despatcher throws the operating key K, it is operated over the same conductor. When the despatcher restores the operating key, the

new position of the device is supervised 'before the wipers leave the bank contacts through which the device was controlled. The supervisory polarized relays control a group of four lamp signals, three of which are used to indicate the positon of the device, the fourth to indicate which device the selecting switch has selected.

Throughout the drawings I have shown a plurality of bus bar symbols, comprising a plus sign withina circle, a minus sign with a circle, and an N within a circle. At the bottom of the figures, conductor 63 is connected to the mid-point of a battery, that connection being also labelled N or neutral. The plus and minus terminals are likewise marked. It is to be understood that the symbols used throughout the drawings correspond to those shown on the batteries, and

- are used to avoid unnecessary complication of the drawings.

Having thus described my invention in general, 1 will now proceed with a detailed description of its operation.

For the purpose of illustration, it will be assumed that the despatcher desires to select, supervise and control the device 111, which is located in an intermediate substation. The device 111 is selected by the operation of relay 104, which relay is connected to the first bank contact of the selecting switch S1. Therefore, to select this device it will be necessary for the selectin switches to take one step. On the despatdhers key shelf, the keys K1 and C1 are associated with this device. The despatcher to select the device 111, operates key K1.

The impulsing circuit Responsive to the operation of key K1, a circuit may be traced from neutral, .conductor 69, through spring 32 and its make conconductor 61, through the winding of the 1 line relay 123 in the substation S1, spring 152 and its break contact, through the resistance 144 to positive battery. Relay 123 energizes over this circuit. The operation of key K1, and springs 31 removes neutral from the conductor 67, which is connected to the first bank contact over which wiper 43 rotates, for a purpose which will be explained hereinafter. Springs 33 of key K1, prepare a point in the circuit of the supervisory lamp 80, for a purpose which will be also explained hereinafter.

.In the intermediate substation, the energization of the line relay 123 closes at springs 150 the circuit for the motor magnet 124 of the switch S1. This motormagnet energizes, preparatory to advancing wipers 120 and 121 one step, and at springs 151 closes a circuit from positive battery through the resistance 144, spring 152 and its break contact, springs 151, conductor 161, through the winding of the relay 125 in the next substation, springs 155, resistance 146 to negative battery. Relay 125 energizes over this circuit. While the relay 125 is shown at the last substation on the trunk, it will be understood that if there are more substations on the trunk, the relay energized would be in the station next adjacent to the-intermediate station, and that the line relays in all the intervening stations would be operated prior to the operation of the line relay in the last station S2. The energization of relay 125, closes at springs 153 a circuit of the motor magnet 126 of the switch S2, energizing that magnet, which prepares the armatures to advance the wipers 128 and 129, and at springs 154 closes a circuit from negative battery through resistance 146, springs 155 and its break contact, springs 154, conductor 62, through the line relay 14 of the sender S to neutral, energizing the line relay 14.

Upon energizing, relay 14 closes a circuit from neutral through springs 50 and the winding of the motor magn et 13 to negative, energizing that motor magnet. The energization of magnet 13 prepares to advance the wipers 43 and 44 of the sender one step and the springs 49 closes a circuit from neutral through relays 10 and 11 and 12 in multiple. Relay 12, being quick acting, energizes immediately. Relay 10, being a slow to release relay, indicated on the drawings by the crossed-hatched section at the upper end. of thecore, energizes slightly afterward. Relay 11, being a slow to operate relay, indicated by the solid portion at the upper end of the core and by the weight on the armature 51, does not energize for an appreciable interval of time. From the foregoing it will be understood that relay 12 is quick to pick up and quick to release, and relay 10 is quick to pick up and slow to release while relay 11 is slow to pick up and is slower to release than relay 10.

The energization of relay 12, at springs 47, opens the point in the circuit of the relay123, permitting that relay to deenergize. The deenergization of relay 123 opens the circuit of the motor magnet 124, which deenergizes and advances the wipers of the switch S1 one step. The wipe 1' 121 now engages its first working bank contact, which is multipled to the other odd numbered bank contacts and connected through the relay 122 to negative battery, closing the circuit for that relay which energizes. The deenergization of the motor magnet 124, opens springs 151 to open the circuit of relay 125 in the next substation, permitting that relay to deenergize. The deenergization of relay 125 opens the circuit of motor magnet 126, which falls back and ad vances the wipers of the switch S2 one 'step into an engagement with their first working contacts. Wiper 129 engages its first working contact, to which the odd numbered contacts and relay 127 are connected, to close the circuit through that relay, which energizes. The deenergization of magnet 126 also opens at springs 154 a point in the circuit ofrelay 14, permitting that relay to fall back.

The deene-gizwtion of relay 14 opens the circuit of motor magnet 13 of the switch S, permitting that magnet to fall back to advance the wipers 43 and 44 one step into engagement with their first working bank contact. Deenergizat-ion of the motor magnet 13 opens at springs 49 a point in the circuit of relays-10, 11 and 12, but since relays 10 and 11 are slow operating relays, they do not fall back during the impulsing. Relay 12 falls back and at springs 47 closes the circuit of relay 123 to permit that relay to reenergize.

In the present case, however, the despatcher has operated key K1, thereby removing neutral potential from the first bank contact engaged by wiper 43 so that relay 123 does not energize but rather the switches S, S1 and Supervising anal controlling the selected device When wiper 120 of the switch S1 engages its first working contact, it completes a circuit from neutral through the winding of relay 104 to negative battery, energizing that relay. Wiper 128 of the switch S2, and the corresponding wipers of all the other switches on the trunk are simultaneously standing on their first bank contacts, however, the switch S1 is the only switch in which this particular bank contact is connected to a selecting relay. The energization of rela 104 closes a circuit from negative battery t rough the winding of relay 107, spring 135 and its operated position, springs 134, trunk conductor 60, key spring 30 and its break contact, conductor 66, spring 48 and its break contact, wiper 44 and its first working bank contact, through the winding of the supervisory polar relay P1 to neutral. Since it is assumed that' the device 111 was resting in this operated position when selected, polar relay P1 is energized in the same direction that it was energized in previously, and no circuit changes are made in the supervisory cabinet. When the selecting switches come to rest, relay 10 falls back, momentarily closing a circuit from negative through resistance 56, springs 51, springs 46, conductor 64, through the filament'of the lamp 80, key spring 33, conductor 69 to the neutral. Lamp is lighted and remains lighted as long as the relay 11 remains in its operated-position, to apprise the despatcher that the selecting switches are standing opposite the control relay associated with key K1. The despatcher upon noting that no change was made in the lamps associated with this key knows that the device is in the position corresponding to the setting of the lamp, whereupon he proceeds to change its position by momentarily operating the key K. Responsive to the throwing of this key, a circuit is closed from neutral to springs 45, conductor 65, key spring 30 and its make contact, conductor 60, springs-134, springs 135, through the winding of 'relay 107 to negative' battery. The operationof this key also.

opens the circuit of the polar relay Pl, but since that polar relay is of the type which remains in the position to which it has been set after its magnets are deenergized, no effect is produced. The direct neutral connection to the winding relay 107 operates that relay, which looks. itself in series with relay 108 over a circuit traceable from neutral through springs 137, through relay 108, springs 139, through the winding relay 107 to negative battery. Relay 108 energizes in this circuit in series with relay107 when the key K is restored because relay 108 is no longer shunted at armature 45. The energization of relay 108 closes at springs 140 a circuit from neutral through the right hand winding of the electro-magnetic device 111, to negative battery, energizing the magnet 106, which opcrates the device. It will be understood, that the magnet- 106 actuates the device to throw it to its open position, and to move the toggle springs 135, 136, 137, 138, into the position opposite to that shown on the drawings. When the movement of the device 111 is completed, the locking circuit of relays 107 and 108 is opened at springs 137, and the initial energizing circuit of relay 107 is opened at springs 135. Relays 107 and 108 deenergize. A circuit-may now be traced from positive battery through the winding of relay 109, spring 135 and its lower contact, springs 134, thence over the previously traced circuit through the winding of polar relay P1,

energizing the polar relay in the opposite di rection. The energization of the polar relay in the opposite direction, closes a circuit from positive battery through springs 41, through the lamp 82, through resistance 52 to neutral. A parallel circuit is closed through the lamp 83-, key springs 34, through the resistance 52 to neutral. Lamps 82 and 83 light to inform the despatcher that the device 111 has assumed its open position. The movement of armature 41, short circuits the lamp 81, by connecting both tcrminals'of the lamp to positive battery, so that that lamp is extinguished. The despatcher upon noting the lighting of the lamps 82 and 83, operates the key C1 to open springs 34 and close springs 35, thereby short circuiting the lamp 83, which now has positive connected to its upper terminal over circuit through resistance 53, key springs 35, and the upper terminal of the lamp, and to its lower terminal from springs 41 of the polar relay P1. Themovement of the device 111 from its operative to its open position, opens springs 136, thereby opening a point in the circuit over. which relay 103 was locked and I energized. Relay 103 falls back before the circuit through its lower winding is closed by springs 138 of the device 111. Relay 103 upon falling back at springs 133 and its break contact prepares a point to the circuit of relay 102. however, that circuit is held open at springs 130, of the relay 101 until the select-4 ing switch S1 again returns to its normal position.

It will be noted that should the despatcher desire to again change the device 111, he merely has to again momentarily close the key K, to close a circuit from neutral through spring 45 and conductor 65, springs 30 and its'make contact, conductor 60, to spring 134, to spring 135, and its lower contact, through the winding of relay 109 to positive battery. .Relay 109 energizes over. this circuit, closing springs 141. Relay 109 locks energized from neutral on spring 137 at its lower contact through the winding of relay 110, springs 141, the winding of relay 109 to positive battery. As soon as the despatcher restores the key K, relay 110, being no longer shunted at armature 45 energizes, and at springs 142 closes a circuit through the operating magnet 105 of the device 111. This magnet energizes, moving the device to its operative position and restor ing the springs 135, 136, 137, and 138 to the position shown in the drawings. The movement of these springs again prepares the circuit so that the next time neutral is placed on the conductor 60, the device will be moved back into its open position.

Stepping is resumed 122. The circuit of relay 125, therefore, ex-

tends through spring 152 and its make contact through resistance 143 to negative battery instead of the positive battery as in the case of the first pulse. Relay 123 energizes,

closing the circuit of motor magnet 124 as before. Motor magnet energizes, and at springs 151 closes a circuit over conductor 161 to line relay 125 of the next substation. When the switch S2 moved to its first bank contact position, relay 127 was energized, and springs 155 moved into engagement with their make contacts so that the circuit of relay 125 includes the resistance 145 and positive battery. Relay 125 having negative battery applied to one of its terminals and positive battery applied to the other terminal, is thereby energized, and closes a circuit for magnet 126.

Magnet 126 energizes, closes a circuit from positive battery through resistance 145, springs 155, springs 154, conductor 62, through the winding of relay 14 to neutral, energizing the relay 14. Energizati'on of relay 14 c loses circuit of magnet 13, which energizes and closes the circuit of relays 10,

11 and 12, in the manner hereinbefore pointed outr Relay 12 opens circuit of relay 123 which Vance its wipers one step. Relay 122 is no longer energized and falls back at the end of this step. The deenergization of magnet 124 of the switch S1 deenergizes the relay 125 of the switch S2, permitting the latter switch to advance its wipers one step and deenergize relay 127. The deenergization of magnet "126 opens the circuit of relay 14, and the cycle of stepping is completed. If no other keys are operated, wiper 43 will engage neutral potentialuntil it reaches its normal position,

'falls back permitting the switch S1 to adg'tral independent of the springs 133. springs 131, relay 102 re-applies neutral to Automatic supervision When the sender S and the stepping switches S1 and S2 and the other stepping switches on the trunk get back to their normal position, switch S1 closes the circuit of relay 101, switch S2 closes a circuit of relay 101, and each selector switch on the trunk closes a circuit through a corresponding normal position relay. Since the device 111 has been moved and the relay 103 allowed to restore to its normal position, the energization of relay 101 closes a circuit from neutral through spring 133 and its break contact through the winding of relay 102, springs 130, conductor 60, spring 30 and its break contact, conductor 66, springs 48, wiper 44 andits normal contact, conductor 23, through the winding of relay 1'? to negative battery.

Relays 17 and 102 energize over this circuit. The energization of relay 102 closes at springs 132 a locking circuit for itself direct to nipthe mid-point of the winding of relay 103, to reenergize that relay. Relay 103 locks itself through springs 133 to neutral independent of the springs 131.

' The energization of relay 17 closes at springs 22 a circuit for relay 16, to energize that relay. Relay 16 at springs 19 closes a circuit to the alarm 15 to apprise the despatcher of the automatic supervision opera- 'tion now being started, and relay 16 looks itself energized through springs 20 if the alarm key 18 is thrown to its operated position. At springs 21, relay 17 applies neutral to the normal position contact of the switch -S engaged by the wiper 43, to start the switches pulsing in the hereinbefore explained manner. The switches will make a complete revolution bringing their wipers into engagement with each of the bank contacts, to supervise the positions of all of the devices in all of the substations. This automatic supervision is provided, because the de vices may be thrown automatically or manually byattendant at the substation, and it is necessary that the despatcher at the despatchers station be informed of the position of each device at all times. Since the means for throwing these devices automatically is not an integral part of the present invention, it hasnot been shown on the drawings as the device 111 may be any one of a number of well known electro-magnetic devices, which have automatic control features incorporated in them.

While I choose to show my invention in connection with a particular type of apparatus, I have done so by way of example only, as there are many modifications and adaptations, which can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I consider'new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent is pointed out in the. appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a remote control system, a plurality of step-by-step switches having wipers, a magnet in each switch for moving said wipers responsive to an energization and a deenergization thereof, means including the wiper of a first of said switches for energizing the magnet of a second switch, means controlled by the energization of the magnet of the sec ond switch and each of the remaining magnets of said switches for energizing the magnets of the succeeding switches until the magnet of the last switch is energized, means controlled by the magnet of said last switch in its energized condition for energizing the magnet of the first of said switches, means controlled by said first switch magnet for advancing the wipers of said switches by deenergizing all of said magnets in the order in which they were energized, and means for preventing any further advance of said wipers in case any one of said wipers fails to, ad-

'vance in response to the deenergization of its associated magnet.

2. In a remote control system, a plurality of step-by-step switches having wipers, a magnet in each switch for moving its wipers responsive to an energization and a deenergization thereof, a stepping circuit for each of said switches over which the magnet of a switch is energized under the control of the magnet of the preceding switch in its energized condition, means controlled by the energization of the magnet of the last switch for energizing the magnet of the first switch, means controlled by said first magnet for advancing the wipers of said switches by deenergizing all of said magnets in the order in which they were venergized, and means for making said stepping circuit inoperative to operate said magnets in case any of said wipers fails to advance in response to the deenergization of its associated magnet.

3. In a control system, a plurality of stepby-step switches having wipers, contacts accessible to said wipers, a magnet for each switch for moving said wipers upon deenergization, a relay for each magnet, an energizing circuit for each relay controlled by the magnet of the preceding switch, means controlled by the magnet of the last switch for energizin the relay of the first "witch, means controlle by each relay for controlling its associated magnet, means controlled by the magnet of the first switch for advancing the wipers of said switches by deenergizing all said magnets in the orderin which they were energized, a pole changing relay for each switch except the first for controlling said relays, means for energizing or deenergizing each pole changing relay dependent upon the position of its associated switch wiper, and means including contacts on said pole changing relays for preventing the energization of the relays in succeeding switches in case said switch wipers are not engaging correspond ing ones of said contacts.

4. In a control system, a plurality of stepby-step switches having wipers, contacts accessible to said wipers, a magnet for each switch for moving said wipers upon deenergization, a pole changing relay for each switchexcept the first, a relay for each magnet, an energizing circuit for each relay controlled hy the magnet and pole changing relay of the preceding switch, means controlled by the magnet of the last switch for energizing the relay of the first switch,means controlled by each relay for controlling its associated magnet, means controlled by the magnet of the first switch for advancing the wipers of said switches by deenergizing all said magnets in the order in which they were energized, means for energizing or deenergizing each pole changing relay dependent. upon the position of its associated switch Wiper, and means including contacts on any one of said pole changing relays for preventing the energization of its associated relay in case the switch wipers are not engaging corresponding ones of said contacts.

5. In a remote control system, a series of stepping switches each having a wiper and contacts, operating means for each switch for moving the wipers thereof step-hy-step over the contacts, means for energizing the operating means of the first switch, means for controlling the energi'zation and deenergization of the operating means of each of a plurality of succeeding switches, respectively,

by the energization and deenergizatlon of the operatingmeans of the preceding switch until a predetermined number of steps have been taken by the wiper of each switch, and mean's for preventing the reenergization of said operating means in case any one of. said switch wipers fails to step in response to the energization and deenergization of its associated operating means.

6. In-a remote control system, a series 01' stepping switches each having a wiper and contacts, operating means for each switch for moving the wipers thereof step-by-step over the contacts, means for ener izing the operating means of the first switch, means for deenergizing the operating means of the first switch responsive to the energization of the operating means of the last switch, means for controlling the energization and deenergization of the operating means of each of a plu- I0 rality of succeeding switches, respectively, by the energization and deenergization of the operating means of the preceding switch until a predetermined number of steps have been taken by the wiper of each switch, and means to responsive to any one of said switches failing to take a step in response to the energization and deencrgization of its associated operating means for preventing any further stepping operation of said switches.

In a remote control system, a series of selecting switches, operating means in each switch, means for energizing the operating means of the first of said switches, means responsive thereto for thereafter consecns5 tivcly energizing the operating means of the second and last of said switches in the order named, means responsive to the energization of the operating means of the last switch for deenergizing the operating means of all said switches in the order in which they were energized, means responsive to the decnergization of each operating means for operating its associated switch one step to operate said switches in synchronism, and means for re- -operating said operating means only in case 7 each of said switches has advanced a step in response to the deenergizations of their operating means 8. In a remote control system, a series of selecting switches, operating means in each switch, means for energizing the operating means of the first of said switches, means responsive thereto for thereafter consecutively energizing the operating means of the second and last of said switches in the order named, means responsive to the ener ization of the operating means of the last switchfor deenergizing the operating means of all said switches in the order in which they were energized, means responsive to the deenergization of each operating means for operating its associated switch one step to operate said switches in synchronism, and means responsive to any one of said switches failing to take 11 a step in response to the deenergization of its associated operating means for preventing a reoperation of said operating means.-

9. In a remote control system, a series of selecting switches, operating means in each 180 switch, means for energizing'the operating means of the first of saidswitches, means responsive thereto for thereafter consecutively energizing the operating means of the second and last of said switches in the order 126 named, means responsive to the energization of the operating means of the last switch for deenergizing the operating means of all said switches in the order in which. they were energized, means responsive tothe deenergization 13o of each operating means for operating its associated switch one step to operate-said switches in synchronism, means for repeating this cycle of operation until all the switches have taken a predetermined number of steps, and means responsive to any one of said switches failing to take a step in response to the operation of its associated operating means for preventing any further stepping operation of said switches.

10. In a remote control system, a series of selecting switches, operating means in each switch, a first operating circuit for energizing the operating means of the first switch, a second operating circuit for energizing the operating means of the second switch, a last operating circuit for energizing the operating means of the last switch, means for closing said first circuit to energize the o-p-' crating means in the first switch, means responsive to the energization of the operating means in the first switch for closing said second circuit to energize the operating means of the second switch, means responsi 1e to the energization of the operating means of the second switch for closing said last circuit to energize the operating means of the last switch, means responsive to the energization of the operating means of the last switch for opening said first circuit to deenergize the operating means of said first switch, the deenergization of the operating means of said first switch opening said second circuit to deenergize the operating means of the second switch, the deenergization of the operating means of the second switch opening said last circuit to deenergize the operating means of the last switch, and the deenergization of the operating means of the last switch re-establishing said first circuit, means for operating each of said switches responslveto the deenerglzatlon of its operating means, and means for preventing the reoperation of said several closing means in case any one of said switches fails to operate responsive to the deenergization of its operating means.

11. In a remote control system, a series of step-by-step switches having .wipers, a

stepping magnet in each switch for moving said wipers, ac1rcu1t for each magnet, a

changing relay for preventing the energize.- tion of its associated stepping relay over its circuit if the pole changing relay of a switch is in a different position than the position of the pole changing relay in the preceding switc 4 i 12. In a remote control system, a series of step-by-step switches having wipers, a stepping magnet in each switch for moving said wipers, a circuit for each magnet, a stepping relay for controlling each magnet circuit, a circuit for each stepping relay, means controlled by each stepping relay in its energized position for closing the circuit of its associated magnet, a pole changing relay for each switch having contacts included in its associated stepping relay circuit and the relay circuit of a succeeding switch for changing the polarity of such circuits dependent upon its energized or deenergized position, means for energizing and deenergizing each pole changing relay dependent upon the position of its associated switch wiper, and means including the contacts on each pole changing relay for preventing the energization of its associated stepping relay over its circuit and the energization of the stepping relay of the succeeding switch over its circuit if the pole changing relay of a switch is in a difierent position than the positions of the pole changing relays of a preceding and succeeding switch, respectively.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 2d day of May, A. D. 1928.

- HARRY E. HERSHEY.

stepping relay for controlling each magnet circuit, a circuit for each stepping relay, means controlled by each stepping relay in its energized position for closing the circuit of its associated magnet, a pole changing relay for each switch having contacts .included in its associated stepping relay circuit for changing the polarity of such circuit dependent upon the energized or deenergized position of the pole changing relay, means for energizing or deenergizing each pole changmg relay dependent upon the pos1t1on of its associated switch wiper, and means including the contacts on each pole 

